Summer Fun

Hello and welcome to the beginning of summertime! Longer days and warmer weather. However, school is out and that requires a bit more organization on our part as parents. So, what is the plan?

Perhaps you have a family vacation planned and that will take getting everyone on the same page with packing and what to bring. A suggestion would be create a to do list for the family and give each member a task to complete for this trip. Even our little one's can get their toys together and help pack. Infact, they love doing those things more than we do sometimes. Make this vacation a memorable one in planning, getting ready to go and being on the trip together. This will also help your children see what goes into taking a trip and a teachable moment in giving them early skills to keep organized and help.

Maybe you are staying home this summer and keeping low key. There is always so much going on during the school year and a quiet summer sounds like the road to travel. The local pool, a picnic or the park. The expense to do activities is sometimes outrageous.

However, it does not always have to be. In most cities, some of the major museums and zoos have a free day during the summer to explore. Check online for your local opportunities and plan a free day with the family. A picnic lunch is a great way to complete this fun day.

A ballgame can be less expensive as well. Look for the family nights where you can get four tickets and dinner for a reasonable fee. Perhaps you encourage your family to look forward to this night. Set up some summer chores around the house where everyone participates and the reward is the game.

On an academic note, let your children pick out some great summer reading books at the library. Keep their skills up in this area and map out family reading time each day. Reading will always promote positive skills and keep children engaged in the learning process. Some libraries even host a challenge of some sort to read so many hours during the summer and then your child can receive a reward from them. Check your local library to find out what summer activities they have as well.

Whatever this summer brings you, remember to practice safety and have fun. Family time seems to be shorter these days and summer is usually a time when the sports and club activities require less meeting time. Use that time to reconnect and find that family laughter with time together. Take a walk, ride your bikes, cook-out and sit on the patio, play board games and find the fun.

We at www.kidsklutter.com wish you a healthy, safe and fun summer filled with family and friends...

Happy Summer!